Evaluation:

1. Monitor effectiveness of cultural and chemical practices. 2. Field checks are regularly conducted to monitor pest problems. 3. Determine if the problem warrants treatment. 4. Establish sustainable and tolerable levels of undesirable pests and still maintain good health and appearance of the parks. 5. Understand Kansas is in a transitional climate zone and our plants may be exposed to additional stress. This requires more frequent monitoring of pests.

Treatment program:

1. Pesticide application is used only when cultural practices are not adequate to control pests or disease problems. 2. Select least-toxic alternatives when chemicals are necessary for control. 3. Staff members are licensed applicators and responsibly follow label directions according to the law and EPA Guidelines. 4. Practice spot treatment – treating only affected areas and using strategies that are sensitive to the needs of the public and the environment. 5. Signs are posted when applications are being made to inform the public. Applications are also scheduled during non-peak times of park use. 6. The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department follows a National Park Standard of Excellence. This means levels of tolerated damage to plants by pests are different in different parks. The level of horticulture or turf maintenance is adjusted accordingly and we do not spray every pest in every park.

What we are doing:

Minimizing the use of any toxic or hazardous materials in the maintenance and operation of parks to the extent possible, using the following methods.

Future Goals Include:

1. Reducing use of pesticides and any related costs without compromising the Plant Health Care Program, aesthetic quality, or recreational needs of our park system. 2. Seeking less hazardous alternatives to conventional synthetic pesticides to improve public benefits. 3. Periodic review of results and progress made by staff and others.

Please direct questions or informational requests to the Horticulture (785)832-7970 or Turf Management Divisions (785-832-7971) of the Parks and Recreation Department, parksrec@lawrenceks.org.